Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste – A Vietnamese Culinary Delight
Vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste is a traditional Vietnamese dish renowned for its robust and addictive flavors. Though the ingredients seem simple, achieving the perfect balance of tastes requires attention to detail, from mixing the shrimp paste to frying the tofu and presenting the dish.
Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste
Ingredients:
- 200g rice vermicelli or fresh vermicelli
- 200g firm tofu
- 200g pork belly
- 100g green rice cake (or Vietnamese pork sausage)
- 2 cucumbers
- A handful of fresh herbs (perilla, Vietnamese coriander, basil, lettuce, etc.)
- Good quality shrimp paste
- Lime, chili, sugar, cooking oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Vermicelli: If using dried vermicelli, cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. If using fresh vermicelli, simply rinse and set aside.
Tofu: Cut the tofu into small, square pieces. Fry in hot oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Once done, remove from the oil and blot with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Pork Belly: Rinse the pork belly and boil it in salted water with a hint of ginger to neutralize the smell. Boil for 20-25 minutes until tender. Remove from the broth and let it cool before slicing into thin pieces.
Green Rice Cake: Fry the rice cakes until golden and crispy. Be mindful to use medium heat to avoid burning the cakes.
Fresh Herbs and Cucumbers: Wash the herbs and cucumbers thoroughly. Thinly slice the cucumbers to accompany the vermicelli dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Paste
The shrimp paste is the soul of this dish, so it’s crucial to get the mixture right. Follow these steps to create a delicious shrimp paste:
- In a bowl, mix 2-3 tablespoons of shrimp paste with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of lime (or calamansi) juice. Stir until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Add finely chopped chilies to taste, depending on your preference for spice.
- Optionally, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of hot oil (used for frying shallots or garlic) to enhance the aroma and flavor of the shrimp paste.
Step 3: Presentation and Serving
Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish:
- Place the vermicelli on a large plate.
- Arrange the fried tofu, boiled pork belly, green rice cakes, cucumber slices, and fresh herbs around the vermicelli.
- Put the shrimp paste dip in the center, allowing each person to adjust the amount and flavor to their liking.
Notes:
- Tofu: Choose fresh tofu; when fried, it should have a crispy exterior and a soft interior. Stale tofu tends to become tough and loses its appeal.
- Pork Belly: Opt for pork belly with an even distribution of fat and lean meat. This ensures the meat stays moist and juicy after boiling.
- Shrimp Paste: Select shrimp paste with a vibrant color and a mild aroma. For food safety, consider stir-frying the shrimp paste with hot oil to kill any potential bacteria.
Vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste is a dish that, while not overly complicated, requires a delicate hand in its preparation. With these detailed instructions, you can now create this delightful, rustic Vietnamese dish in the comfort of your own home and share it with your loved ones.
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